Sleep Apnea and Bruxism
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Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects up to 26% of the population, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
It involves pauses in breathing as a person sleeps because of airway obstructions.
This leads to short-term symptoms like headaches, snoring, daytime sleepiness, or gasping for air during sleep. More serious issues can develop later in life, such as heart disease and diabetes.
This condition is dangerous on its own, but it may be linked to another sleep disorder—bruxism.
Half of Those With Sleep Apnea Have Bruxism
Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, can happen during sleep.
Evidence suggests that there may be a link between sleep apnea and bruxism. Many people—up to one-half of sleep apnea sufferers—also have bruxism.
While the link is not fully understood, it is important to address both sleep apnea and bruxism to avoid long-term health impacts on your body and damage to your teeth.
Tailored Solutions To Treat Both Conditions
We offer tailored solutions to help both while allowing you to sleep soundly.
Schedule a consultation with us if you suspect you have these issues, and keep reading to learn how we can help.
What Is Bruxism?
While occasional teeth grinding is common and not a huge issue, repeated grinding over many years can cause pain in the jaw and damage your teeth. It can also impact your sleep.
Teeth grinding is most common in children, but it can happen at any age.
Bruxism occurs during sleep as the jaw moves in a rhythm with muscles contracting about once per second.
The teeth might click or grate, or they might make no sound at all.
While this might seem harmless, it can create noticeable symptoms upon waking.
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Some symptoms that may result from teeth grinding include:
The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Teeth Grinding
Up to half of people with sleep apnea grind their teeth while sleeping. This suggests there may be a link between the two disorders.
Teeth grinding is thought to occur during micro-awakenings, which happen frequently throughout the night for those with sleep apnea.
The nervous system activates when breathing stops during an apnea episode, contracting the muscles to resume breathing.
This may create movement in the jaw that results in grinding.
Who’s Most at Risk for Sleep-Related Bruxism?
Those who experience more anxiety and stress are more predisposed to grinding. These patients may experience both disorders if sleep apnea is also a problem.
Certain medications can also trigger grinding, such as amphetamines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and illegal drugs.
Various other conditions that are not sleep-related can also increase the risk of grinding, including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Even acid reflux can increase the risk of grinding, along with family history and genetics
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As you can see, the causes for grinding can be out of your control, and sleep apnea often is as well—but that doesn’t mean you aren’t able to treat both of these issues.
Potential Treatments for Teeth Grinding During Sleep
Oral Devices
This stops the apneas and micro-awakenings and takes the pressure off your jaw.
Oral appliance therapy can help relieve the pain you might have from grinding.
Airway Expansion
Some patients opt to address sleep apnea at the source by expanding their airways.
This process will also help eliminate the awakenings that may create teeth grinding, so it can also be a helpful solution for sleep apnea and bruxism.
CPAP Therapy
CPAP therapy is commonly used to treat sleep apnea, but it can also stop teeth grinding.
CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask over your nose and mouth while you sleep, which delivers oxygen to keep your airways open at night.
This stops the apneas and micro-awakenings that occur with sleep apnea, which reduces the likelihood of grinding.
Why You Should Treat Sleep Apnea and Bruxism
In reality, these are issues that can become much more serious if left untreated.
Sleep apnea can lead to serious issues like diabetes, metabolic problems, heart disease, and overall lower quality of life due to chronic fatigue.
Bruxism can make your teeth very painful—it can be harder to eat your favorite foods and take care of your teeth without dealing with sensitivity.
Therefore, the earlier you address these issues, the more hassle and harm you can save yourself.
At our practice, we understand the importance of a holistic approach in treating sleep apnea and bruxism.
We’ll find a solution to address these issues, making you feel more energized and comfortable every day.
Get in Touch
If you suspect sleep apnea and bruxism are wreaking havoc on your sleep and smile, contact Modern Sleep Airway & Orthodontics to set up a consultation.
We can help you solve two problems at once for a lifetime of energy and pain-free smiles.